Written by Paul Vettise
Toronado (IRE) (High Chaparral {IRE}) has been kicking up a 2-year-old storm across Europe and Adam Sangster is bullish over similar results when the first youngsters of the Swettenham Stud resident step out across Australia this term.
The dual Group 1 winner recently produced four winners in a five-day period to take his first-season tally to 16, including the black type performers Watan (GB), Baylagan (FR) and El Ingrato (IRE).
“Toronado was an early 2-year-old himself and physically he’s got excellent bone, short cannons and great muscle definition,” Sangster said.
“Toronado was an early 2-year-old himself and physically he’s got excellent bone, short cannons and great muscle definition.” - Adam Sangster.
“He was a June 2-year-old, a July Listed winner and in August he was a Group 2 winner. High Chaparral has had a lot more success in the Southern Hemisphere and it’s starting to come through in the Northern Hemisphere.
“Hopefully, Toronado will keep holding the flag up there and here with So You Think, Dundeel, Redwood and Tivaci, who is a damn good-looking horse.”
Toronado
Trained by Richard Hannon, Toronado won from 1300 to 1600 metres, including the G1 Sussex S., and the G1 Queen Anne S., for Al Shaqab whose Haras de Bouquetot stud in France is the stallion’s Northern Hemisphere base.
“He’s about 580 or 600kg so he’s very strong,” Sangster said. “He’s got it all, very strong and well-balanced and a great mover.
“He’s got it all, very strong and well-balanced and a great mover.” – Adam Sangster.
“People here have been very positive about him and it’s a great year to get in at $20,000 – you can nicely have a few puffs on the cigar at that price.”
Toronado already has a youngster being aimed at one of the feature 2-year-old races in Australia.
“Matt Cumani has a really nice one going to the Inglis race on Cox Plate day,” Sangster said. “He’s out of a Stravinsky mare owned by Yulong and in the first 2-year-old trial in Victoria over 800 metres he led and the rider sat up in the stirrups over the last 50 metres to finish second.”
Karaka Sale entry
Toronado also has three juveniles entered in New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale at Karaka next month. “The one out of Circus Polka is going along very nicely indeed,” Sangster said.
To be offered on account of Woburn Farm, the colt’s dam is a half-sister to the G1 VRC Derby and G1 Champagne S., winner Prized Icon (More Than Ready {USA}).
“We’re pretty hopeful about Toronado, he’s impressed so many good judges so he’s going to get every chance.”
